The latest Canadian Federation of Independent Business Barometer indicates long term confidence in the province edged up 0.4 points to 52.7. However, that number does remain below the index’s historical average.

CFIB Director for the Prairies and Northern Canada, Brianna Solberg, said, “Confidence may be inching closer to the historical average, but 60 per cent of Saskatchewan small businesses continue to report skilled labour shortages, while 42 per cent cite insufficient demand as a major growth constraint. That’s a clear signal the economy remains fragile heading into 2026.”

CFIB says hospitality and construction experienced seasonal declines, while health and education, retail, and insurance all posted gains in December.

As well, price increase and wage growth intentions held relatively steady at 2.6 per cent and 2.2 per cent, respectively. Staffing plans in Saskatchewan remain weak, with more businesses planning to reduce full-time positions (12 per cent) than hire (10 per cent).

Tax and regulatory costs (71per cent), insurance costs (61per cent), and wage costs (55 per cent) remain the top cost pressures facing Saskatchewan small businesses as the year comes to a close.